In Hebrew, amen comes from the same root as the word “believe.” This root expresses solidity, trustworthiness, faithfulness. And so we can understand why “Amen” may express both God’s faithfulness towards us and our trust in him. (Catechism of the Catholic Church Paragraph 1062)
As a cradle Catholic, there are a lot of things about my faith that I take for granted. One of these is saying “Amen.”
When I was younger, I thought that saying “Amen” was just a way to conclude my prayer or to say yes.
Then, I learned to say “Amen” to express my belief and trust in God’s answer to my prayers (whatever His answer is).
But last Friday, while reading the CCC, I just learned that saying “Amen” does not only allow us to express our faithfulness and trust, but also affirms us of God’s own faithfulness.
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe and to trust in God’s answer to our prayers. Sometimes, it’s difficult to keep the faith. Yet, even when our faith is lacking, our “Amen” can remind us that the things that we are praying for is not only up to us and our faith. They are also up to God’s own faithfulness. And He is faithful even when we are not.
If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)
Amen.